Raise a Glass to 10 of the Oldest Bars in America

Oldest Bars in America – Every once in a while, you want a night out with a bit of gravity to it.

If you want to enjoy a drink with some friends over a bit of history, you cannot go wrong in one of these 10 historic bars. Raise your glass where presidents, revolutionaries and even pirates have done before, as these classic watering holes are the ideal place to link up. Join us to explore 10 of the most historic, oldest bars in the USA.

Fraunces Tavern NYC – Founded 1762

Throughout the American Revolution, this bar at Broad and Pearl in Manhattan served as a meeting place for the Sons of Liberty. It hosted a who’s who of famous American icons in the 18th century, including General George Washington himself. President Washington bid farewell to the Continental Army on this very spot in December of 1783, saying to them

“I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.“

How’s that for a quote to raise a drink to. At the Fraunces Tavern in NYC, you’re sharing your drink with the ghosts of legends.

White Horse Tavern – Rhode Island – Founded 1673

The oldest bar in the United States has nearly a century on the Fraunces Tavern in New York. The White Horse Tavern of Newport, Rhode Island was founded in 1673 and has been serving up ale and eats ever since.

Today, this nearly 350-year-old bar caters to fine diners and discerning drinkers who visit to honor its history, tradition and culinary expertise. As the people at the White Horse Tavern say themselves, they offer a “taste of 21st century Rhode Island in our 17th century tavern.” We’re hungry just thinking about it.

Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – New Orleans – Founded 1775

In the late 1700s, this little tavern in New Orleans was the base of operations for Jean Lafitte, a pirate, spy and celebrated hero of the Battle of New Orleans.

Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop still stands today as a revered bar on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The story of Lafitte may be held together with a few admitted embellishments, but that story continues to be told today in his favorite watering hole and the oldest bar in the American South. [images courtesy: katedahl, wallyg1, 2]

Bell in Hand Tavern – Boston – Founded 1795

How does a Revolutionary War town crier spend his twilight years? Opening a bar, of course.

The Bell in Hand Tavern was founded in 1795 by Jimmy Wilson, an 18th century town crier who quite literally heralded in the birth of a nation. Since then, Wilson’s bar has stood on Union Street in Boston’s North End, welcoming every walk of Bostonian who wishes to raise a glass to their health. Listen carefully, and you can almost hear the echoes of the voices that came before in this 200-year-old bar. [images courtesy: sly the fox, trace meek, jeremy brooks]

Pete’s Tavern NYC – Founded 1864

While it may not have the historical reach of Fraunces Tavern, Pete’s Tavern boasts the longest continuous service record in New York City. Since 1864, Pete’s has served up food and drink to Manhattan’s busy populace without pause, having maintained its old world integrity since its original opening. Come to Pete’s for the historic atmosphere, stay for the well-known Italian cuisine.

Old Ebbitt Grill – Washington D.C. – Founded 1856

The oldest bar in Washington D.C. is still serving the political elite today, a continuance of early guests like Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt. Located just steps away from the White House, the Old Ebbitt Grill provides a chance for out-of-town guests to rub elbows with political insiders… or at least glance at the White House and the Washington Monument in the distance.

In a city so filled with American history, this culinary gem is a treat for those who wish to dine and drink in the District of Columbia. [images courtesy: dgrice, katieharbarth, afagen]

Jessop’s Tavern – Delaware – Founded 1724

Another New England classic is one of the oldest in the United States, in fact Jessop’s Tavern of New Castle, Delaware is the oldest outside of New York City. Jessop’s is approaching its 300th birthday while maintaining the style and tradition that made it special three centuries ago. This tavern and colonial restaurant features Dutch, English, Swedish and Old American cuisine to guests with a taste for a bit of American History, served like it was so long ago. [images courtesy: ron cogswell 1, 2,rwsinclair]

Napoleon House – New Orleans – Founded 1797

In the early 1800s, the Mayor of New Orleans offered his own house as a refuge to Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile late in life. While Napoleon never arrived, the name of the famous building in New Orleans has remained the same as the house he never occupied.

Indoors, the Napoleon House bar and restaurant serves locals and tourists alike, providing European cuisine, classical music and the famous Pimm’s Cup cocktail it has carried for generations. It’s open for business today, not far from Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop explored above. [images courtesy: Exit Lines, wallyg, cmccorkle2005]

City Tavern – Philadelphia – Founded 1773

Another relic of the American Revolution served many noteworthy guests in the 18th century. The City Tavern of Philadelphia hosted revolutionaries like Paul Revere and John Adams, the latter of which called the City Tavern “the most genteel tavern in America“.

In the modern parlance, that compliment suggests a polite, refined and respectable place. Those values remain in the City Tavern today, where craft beers and Colonial-inspired dining are served with a side dish of great American history. [images courtesy: teachandlearn, theqspeaks, ricklibrarian]

McSorley’s Old Ale House – NYC – Founded 1854

The oldest Irish bar in New York City hosted only men for more than a hundred years in business. McSorley’s Old Ale House had to change its rules in 1970, forced by open by a discrimination lawsuit that allowed women to enter this historic boy’s club. Now anyone of age can enjoy a strong drink at McSorley’s, exploring the historic memorabilia which has remained on its walls for more than a century. What little cleaning we men do when left to our own devices… [images courtesy: Jon McNab, Scott Beale, Usonian]

The Oldest Bars in America

Be sure to raise your glasses to us when you visit any of these fine relics of American history. If you’ve had a chance to enjoy these or any other of America’s oldest bars, tell us about your experience on facebook or twitter, or share your thoughts in the comments below. Cheers!

Liked our story? Share it with friends

What do you think?

John Durkin

Clanks Bar in Marcus Hook, PA…..The do not have a website but they were established in 1701

emily dixom

i hate to disapoint you all buy my LOACL pub was founded in 1420

Bill V

Bill Vincent

Bill V

The oldest inn in Massachusetts appears to the New Boston Inn started in 1737 and operating continually since then. It website can be found at http://www.newbostoninn.com/

From our network

Let's connect

What’s Hot

ABOUT

thecoolist.com is an up-and-coming community of people specialized in high-quality and on-trend cool projects and tutorials in home design, fashion, and crafts. Recognizing the value of the do-it-yourself movement of the last several years, thecoolist.com is inspired by unique yet replicable ideas.

Because everyone’s style is individual, customized pieces with a high-end look are what we're always after.